Martens heading to check on Schoharie oil spill

It was probably just a matter of time before it became apparent that the flooding would create some oil spills and DEC Commissioner Joe Martens is heading to Schoharie where a spill at a storage facility resulted from Tropical Storm Irene and the subsequent flooding.

Additionally, the agency is concerned about the situation farther downstate where several home heating oil trucks were pushed into the Ramapo River which is near the New Jersey border.

At the same time, my colleague Jimmy Vielkind, who is in the Adirondacks noted that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is suspending DEC and Adirondack Park Agency permiting requirements in that region in order to speed along home rebuilding.

Here is Martens’ announcement:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens today will visit a major spill site at an oil storage terminal/petroleum distributor facility in Schoharie County. The spill occurred as a result of Hurricane Irene. The site tour will aid the department in assessing storm damage, mitigating harm to the environment and ensuring proper public safety and clean-up efforts.